Whales amongst the ice.

Counting whales in the sea and ice

Antarctic minke whale numbers seem to have declined over the past few decades. One theory suggests minke whales may be moving further into sea ice, areas where whale research vessels can't follow. (4:09)

15 April 2009 | Updated 24 November 2011

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To test this theory, CSIRO’s Mathematical and Information Sciences whale research team, in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division, are conducting a series of aerial surveys on Antarctic minke whales.

CSIRO statistician Dr David Peel recently participated in the first aerial survey, and in this podcast describes his initial ship journey to Antarctica’s Casey station followed by long flights over sea and ice in search of whales.

Dr Peel also explains how the data from the Antarctic minke whale survey will be collated and then presented to the International Whaling Commission.